Livingston manager David Martindale launched an extraordinary attack on Scottish football authorities after his side’s dramatic 2–2 draw against Rangers, claiming the result was overshadowed by what he described as a “scandalous” red-card decision that changed the entire course of the match.

Livingston had taken an early lead through Kabongolo in the 14th minute before L. Smith doubled the advantage in the 55th minute, putting the hosts in firm control. But the turning point arrived just five minutes later when C. Montaño was shown a straight red card in the 60th minute — a decision that Martindale insists was not only harsh but decisive.

Reduced to ten men, Livingston struggled to contain the pressure as Rangers fought back through E. Fernandez in the 81st minute and M. Moore in the 88th minute to salvage a point from a match that had appeared to be slipping away.

Speaking after the final whistle, a furious Martindale did not hold back.

“Rangers owns SFA, it is obvious what they did these days to win points,” he said. “Explain to me how that is a red card. One decision destroyed everything we built for an hour. We were in complete control, we were comfortable, and then suddenly we are punished for nothing.”

The Livingston boss went even further, warning that his club could consider drastic action if the governing body fails to review the incident.

“If the SFA cannot explain how that challenge is a red card, then what is the point of competing? We need answers. Otherwise, why should we continue in this campaign if decisions like this decide matches instead of football?”

Martindale also praised his players for their effort despite the numerical disadvantage, insisting they were “robbed of a deserved victory.”

“My players gave everything. Eleven versus eleven, we win this game comfortably. Even with ten men we almost held on. That shows how strong we were tonight.”

Rangers, meanwhile, welcomed the point after a difficult afternoon, though their comeback will inevitably be overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the dismissal.

The result leaves tensions simmering between clubs and officials, with pressure now on the SFA to respond to Martindale’s explosive claims. Whether the governing body chooses to investigate or stand by the referee’s decision could have significant consequences — not only for this fixture, but for the wider integrity debate now gripping Scottish football.